The Myths of Child Abuse1. Child abuse is a rare occurrence.
At least one child in ten is at some point in childhood, judged to be at risk of significant harm, and likely to be suffering from physical, emotional, sexual, or other forms of abuse and neglect
2. Abuse and neglect almost always occurs in poor, minority, and/or inner-city families.
Child abuse is relentlessly democratic. It occurs within every neighbourhood and school community across the country.
3. Sexual assault only happens to girls.
Boys tend not to report such events. Current research estimates that one of four girls and one of four to seven boys will experience some form of sexual assault before their eighteenth birthday.
4. Most assaults on children are perpetrated by a stranger.
90% of child sexual assaults are perpetrated by an adult who is known and trusted by the child.
5. Child abusers are easy to identify.
Child abusers cannot be easily distinguished from other people. They are not usually people with mental illness or disabilities. In fact, many offenders are upstanding community citizens.
6. Most abused children do something to cause the abuse.
The child is always the victim. The responsibility for the abuse lies solely with the adult. Over half of the adult survivors say they told no-one because they were too frightened, guilty, or felt they wouldn't be believed.
7. Child abuse is the problem of organizations such as the police, government and social services.
Safegurading children and young people is the responsibility of every individual. We need courage unity to tackle this problem together.
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"Excellent (staff) workshop, issues dealt with sensitivity though clearly"
Teacher, Westcliff School, Dawlish
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